Plagionite on Galena (Ref: 6099)

Good Plagionite specimens from the Pfannenberger Einigkeit Mine near Salchendorf in the Siegerland district are extremely rare, as many of these specimens are confused with similar-looking, spherical Sphalerite crystal clusters. So it is no surprise that real Plagionite cost a pretty penny then as now. The present piece cost the considerable amount of 20 Deutsche Marks around 100 years ago, which already provides an indication of the quality if you adjust for inflation. So much for introduction of this specimen with countless, steel-gray, approx. 4 mm large, spherical, metallic crystal aggregates with a velvety luster. They are scattered over lead-gray, Galena cubes measuring over 2 cm on edge. The aesthetics of the specimen are completed by a dusting of sparkling metallic brass-yellow tiny Chalcopyrite crystals. Since the Pfannenberger Einigkeit Mine closed for good in 1962, no more new material is available. And the historic pieces such as this one, it most likely dates back to around 1920, are sought after by collectors.